What is Buckthorn? Buckthorn is a non-native, highly invasive woody plant that ranges in size from a shrub to a small tree, reaching heights of up to 22 feet. The name is attributed to the woody spine on the end of each twig in many species. Two species of buckthorn,...
Invasive plant species cause ecological harm in a new environment where they are not native. Because they have no natural predators to consume them, invasive plants can reproduce and spread rampantly. In doing so, invasive plants outcompete and displace native plants...
Before European settlement, ecosystems in the Midwest were exposed to periodic fire, ignited by Native Americans or lightning strikes. Plants native to Midwest prairies, woodlands, and wetlands are adapted to survive fire and even benefit from it. Fire serves to...
An ongoing maintenance program is important to ensure the health of any natural area. Weed seeds are continually dispersed by wind, water, birds, and other animals. Common weeds often found in wet buffers include cattails, common reed, thistle, Reed canary grass and...
Native Plants In Illinois and Wisconsin, native plants occur naturally in a particular habitat, ecosystem, or region without human introduction. Basically, they are the plants that were here before we were! These plants have formed mutually beneficial relationships...
In urban settings many of our clients have issues with non-desirable wildlife on their property. Geese, muskrats, beavers, and other nuisance animals can cause property damage, decrease water quality, increase flooding and even endanger residents. ILM has several...